CPS Energy has used nuclear energy as a part of its diverse portfolio of fuel sources for more than three decades. Today, nuclear energy meets more than one-third of San Antonio’s annual electrical requirements, second only to coal.

Nuclear power is obtained for our customers via the South Texas Project (STP) located in Bay City, Texas. CPS Energy owns a 40 percent stake in STP (NRC Energy of Texas owns 44 percent, while Austin Energy owns 16 percent).

Nuclear plants continue to have the lowest operating costs of any electrical generation. It is estimated that the generation of electricity through STP has saved our customers billions of dollars since the plant began operating in 1988.

Because nuclear energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions, it’s considered a clean-air energy, and 21st century technology makes plant operations safe. When compared to other generation staples like coal, natural gas or renewables, nuclear energy is considered more capable of meeting the demands of a customer base that is still growing. 

At this time, CPS Energy is considering investing in the addition of two additional units at STP, enough electricity to power another 2.1 million homes, to meet future energy demand. A decision is expected to be made by San Antonio’s regulatory authority and owner, the City of San Antonio, in late 2009.